Leyla McCalla Tends to Deep Roots on ‘Sun Without the Heat’
In this most recent work, folk artist Leyla McCalla continues cultivating an expansive and complex sense of roots and relative self. It’s a joy to witness.
In this most recent work, folk artist Leyla McCalla continues cultivating an expansive and complex sense of roots and relative self. It’s a joy to witness.
Minor Moon’s LP is deeply adventurous but has a sharp, reflective eye on the rearview mirror. It’s a warm fuzz of country rock amidst a world falling apart.
Six Organs of Admittance’s Ben Chasny discusses late 1990s folk, music journalism, his independent publication, and new record Time Is Glass.
On Bright Future, Big Thief’s Adrianne Lenker proves how much you can do with so little that you don’t need a ton of flash to craft a stunning record.
Revelator captures Phosphorescent’s endeavor to encounter life as it is, practicing vulnerability, empathy, and a degree of self-effacement.
Rosali’s Bite Down is a deceptively smooth ride that threatens to pull you under at any moment. Its classic sound draws from Fleetwood Mac and 1970s music.
The Wandering Hearts’ music evokes blue skies and slow road trips with friends, train rides, and walks in the country. It’s solitary and reflective.
Hurray for the Riff understands that we are all part of the same world and share the same past. The past may be alive, but that doesn’t make us zombies.
Adam Remnant’s new EP is full of narratives about mistakes of the past, life routine, and nighttime miracles, with a touch of Elliott Smith and Bright Eyes.
Lizzie No knows all things must pass. Halfsies is a beautiful Americana/folk record with the lovely theme of freedom implicit in the lyrics.
The best folk albums of the year are an eclectic lot brought to us by long-time notables, indie greats, and artists taking folk music in new directions.
Beirut has turned inward on Hadsel and it’s an affirming, warm kind of music to serve as a soundtrack for the next valley surely coming for us all.